Hypnosis for pain management
Hypnosis is an experience of deep relaxation and concentration. It allows patients to be open-minded to suggestions, thereby increasing their willingness to take on new information and ideas. Patients may also be able to alter their pain perception and memory.
Hypnosis should only be undertaken by healthcare professionals trained in its clinical use1; if treating children, paediatric training is recommended. Initially, healthcare providers induce hypnosis in patients, but patients can learn to induce hypnosis themselves.
There is evidence that hypnosis can be useful for both acute and chronic pain, but it should only be used as a component of a multidimensional approach. Contraindications to hypnosis include psychiatric or personality disorders.